When senior Octavio Brito walked into class on March 20, he was not expecting to leave with a standing ovation — or a proclamation from the city.
But that’s exactly what happened when Keene State College President Melinda Treadwell, Mayor of Keene Jay Kahn and Director of Athletics Marty Testo surprised Brito with the announcement: the City of Keene was officially recognizing March 25 as Octavio Brito Day, honoring the men’s basketball star not just for his record-breaking success on the court, but for his lasting impact throughout the community.
“It was definitely something of a surprise,” Brito said, recalling the moment. “I’m just grateful. Keene has given me so much. To have a day named after me here is something I never imagined.”
The guard from Lincoln, R.I., has been a cornerstone of Keene State’s recent basketball success, surpassing 2,000 career points, becoming the program’s all-time leader in three-pointers and earning 2024-2025 National Player of the Year honors. But according to those who know him best, Brito’s legacy will be just as much about what he has done off the court.
“He’s a positive role model,” Testo said. “It’s not just his stats — it’s how he carries himself, how he engages with the community. He’s always the last one on the court after games, taking pictures, signing jerseys, making every kid feel seen. That stuff matters.”
Brito’s commitment to the greater Keene area goes beyond basketball clinics and game-day meet-and-greets. He has participated in local events like the 100 Nights shelter program, helped fundraise in Walpole for a grieving family and frequently volunteers with youth sports. Testo said there’s never been a community opportunity that Brito turned down.
“There’s nothing I’m aware of that anybody has asked [Brito] to do that he hasn’t done with a smile and the same energy he brings to a game,” Testo said. “This is the first time we’ve seen a city proclamation for a student-athlete, and it’s well-deserved.”
Teammate and sophomore forward Wesley Odiase said Brito sets the tone for the team’s culture.
“As a teammate, he just propels everybody to play harder,” said Odiase. “His drive to win, his work ethic — it’s contagious. He’s taught me what it takes to compete at a high level. We’re all proud to have one of our own honored like this.”
Testo echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that Brito’s impact extends well beyond his athletic achievements.
“[Brito] embodies what we hope all our student-athletes become — not just great players, but great people,” Testo said. “He’s always looking for ways to give back, and he does it with humility and heart.”
Brito said his focus now is to keep growing and leave behind something future players can build on.
“I just hope my legacy is that guys after me know they can come to Keene State, reach their dreams and aspirations, and give back too,” Brito said.
He cited the post-championship celebrations and connection with returning alumni as one of his most meaningful moments at Keene State — not because of the accolades but because of the sense of family and community.
“That’s how you know you’ve got a good program,” Brito said. “The alumni come back, they stay involved, they give back. That’s what I want to keep going.”
For a town known for its charm and tight-knit feel, Brito has become more than a student-athlete — he’s a symbol of pride and possibility. Now, each March 25, the city will pause to honor that.
Elías Stowell Alemán can be contacted at
estowellaleman@kscequinox.com
